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First five set to compete in HR Derby

First five set to compete in HR Derby

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By Doug Miller
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MLB.com |

The first five sluggers are ready to swing in the State Farm Home Run Derby.

Three American League All-Stars -- Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells -- are the first to represent their league for a crack at the title, which will be part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday -- the day before Tuesday's All-Star Game at Angel Stadium.

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano was originally scheduled to participate, has pulled out citing a minor back injury, the New York Daily News reported on Wednesday.

On the National League side, the first four AL contestants will be joined by Brewers outfielder Corey Hart and Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, with more participants from both leagues to be announced once they are confirmed.

Of these fiveplayers, several have previous Derby experience. Ortiz participated in the Derby each year from 2004-06 and Cabrera took part in the '06 event at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Holliday competed in the '07 Derby at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Hart and Wells will be making their Derby debuts.

All contestants are bringing solid credentials to the plate.

Entering Tuesday's games, Hart is tied for third in the NL with 19 home runs. Wells is fifth in the AL with 19 homers and Ortiz is tied for seventh. Cabrera's .339 mark is fifth in the Majors and his 71 RBIs and .631 slugging percentage lead the Majors.

The Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes, ESPN 3D and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

The 81st MLB All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and Le Reseau des Sports, and around the world by Major League Baseball International, on Tuesday, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Game coverage.

Doug Miller is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.